John Stratford Walker of Palm Coast, Florida passed away December 24, 2013 at the Grand Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center in Palm Coast, Florida.

John was born June 15, 1922 in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was 91 years old. He was the son of Ella Raymond Walker and Ralph Dewey Walker. John graduated from Agawam High School, in Massachusetts in 1941. There, he played football and was awarded a full athletics scholarship to North Carolina State College. In 1940 John joined the Infantry Civilian Military Training Corps., and this started his military career. During World War II he served in the United States Marines and earned the rank of Sergeant. Later he received his commission in the Army of the United States and served in the 112th Aviation Company, Maine National Guard. His last command was with the State Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the Maine Army National Guard. John Graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Forestry. He worked for several paper companies and cruised and surveyed in the states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. He retired as Director of the Maine Forest Service in 1979. During this time as a Forester, he completed the first exterior founding survey of Baxter State Park. He did this during the winter months of 1970-1971 with a twelve man crew. Walker was a pilot and, at times, flew missions for the Department of Forestry.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years Lucille Thibault Walker formerly of Cumberland, Maine. Two daughters, Jill L. Fisher (William) of Hallowell, Maine and Jackie Nickerson of Venice, Florida, Stepchildren Philip Thibault of Cumberland, Maine, Pauline Eklund of San Diego, California. and his former wife June Smith Walker formerly of Agawam, Massachusetts. He was also the loving grandfather to his five grandchildren, four step grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

All services were private. All arrangements are under direct supervision of the Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com .